Biotechnology Value Fund is a San Francisco-based private investment partnership specializing in fundamentally-driven public biotechnology investments. Since its inception in 1993, BVF has strived to build concentrated, long-term investments in small-cap biotechnology companies while performing rigorous diligence and on-going monitoring of its investments. BVF is committed to working with its portfolio companies as partners in their successes.
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunology. It focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing oral small-molecule therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. RAPT's proprietary discovery engine has led to the advancement of two drug candidates: FLX475, which selectively inhibits the migration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells into tumors, and RPT193, which targets type 2 T helper cells in inflamed tissues. Both candidates have progressed to clinical trials within a short time frame since the company's inception. Additionally, RAPT is exploring further therapeutic targets, including general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1, which are currently in the discovery phase.
Cidara Therapeutics
Post in 2024
Cidara Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, established in 2012. The company specializes in the discovery and development of innovative anti-infective therapies for serious diseases, particularly those that affect individuals with compromised immune systems. Its lead candidate, rezafungin acetate, is an antifungal agent designed to treat and prevent severe invasive fungal infections, such as candidemia and invasive candidiasis, which carry significant mortality risks. In addition to its antifungal efforts, Cidara is advancing its proprietary Cloudbreak platform, which focuses on developing antiviral Fc-conjugates aimed at preventing and treating various viral infections, including influenza, RSV, HIV, and coronavirus. Cidara's mission is to transform treatment and prevention strategies for life-threatening illnesses.
Bambusa Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2024
Bambusa Therapeutics operates as biotechnology company, that focuses on developing bispecific antibodies.
AltruBio
Series B in 2024
AltruBio is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing targeted antibody therapeutics for cancer and immune-related inflammatory diseases. Established in Delaware with its principal office in the San Francisco Bay Area, AltruBio integrates global resources to advance its research and development initiatives. The company has its roots in Taipei, Taiwan, where it has been working since June 2000 on discovering and developing novel therapeutics to address unmet medical needs. AltruBio employs a sophisticated discovery platform to identify and validate new antibody therapeutics. Currently, the company is developing several potential therapeutic antibodies that target a range of conditions, including autoimmune diseases and various types of cancer, such as pancreatic, stomach, colorectal, ovarian, and lung cancers, at different stages of development.
Avalo Therapeutics
Post in 2024
Avalo Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that employs a precision medicine approach to discover, develop, and commercialize highly targeted therapeutics in areas of significant unmet clinical need.
Lassen Therapeutics
Series B in 2023
Lassen Therapeutics specializes in developing monoclonal antibodies aimed at treating fibrosis, rare diseases, and oncology. The company’s primary candidate, LASN01, targets the IL-11 receptor alpha, a critical component in the IL-6 family of cytokines. IL-11 is a significant mediator of fibrosis and plays an essential role in tumor growth and the organization of the tumor microenvironment. By blocking IL-11's activity, Lassen Therapeutics seeks to provide more effective treatment options compared to traditional approaches that target other factors like TGF-β and CTGF. Through innovative antibody technologies, the company aims to deliver breakthrough therapeutics that improve the lives of patients facing serious health challenges.
AC Immune
Post in 2023
AC Immune is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Switzerland, dedicated to developing therapeutic and diagnostic products for neurodegenerative diseases linked to protein misfolding. Utilizing its proprietary technology platforms, the company creates antibodies, small molecules, and vaccines aimed at preventing and modifying these diseases. Its lead candidate, crenezumab, is a monoclonal antibody currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease. Other notable candidates include ACI-24, an anti-Abeta vaccine in Phase II trials for Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome, ACI-35, an anti-Tau vaccine that has completed Phase Ib trials, and RG6100, an anti-Tau antibody in Phase II studies for Alzheimer’s patients. Additionally, AC Immune is exploring Tau Morphomer aggregation inhibitor small molecules and has diagnostics targeting various protein aggregates. The company has established collaborations with several prominent organizations, including Genentech and Biogen, and has a research partnership with the University of Pennsylvania focusing on TDP-43 in neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2003, AC Immune is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
SAB Biotherapeutics
Post in 2023
SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical development company based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with an additional office in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on developing immunotherapies for various human diseases using its proprietary DiversitAb platform. This innovative platform enables the rapid production of fully targeted human polyclonal antibodies from genetically engineered transchromosomic cattle, eliminating the need for human plasma or serum. SAB Biotherapeutics' product pipeline includes SAB-142 for Type 1 diabetes, SAB-176 for seasonal influenza, and SAB-301 for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The company's approach aims to address public health challenges, rare diseases, and pandemic threats through advanced antibody science.
Nimbus Therapeutics
Private Equity Round in 2023
Nimbus Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative medicines for serious diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune-inflammatory conditions. The company utilizes advanced computational technologies to create selective and potent small-molecule therapeutics. Among its notable projects is the Nimbus Apollo program, which features the lead candidate NDI-010976, an allosteric inhibitor targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC). This compound is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has potential applications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other diseases. NDI-010976 received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016, highlighting its significance in the clinical development pipeline. Nimbus Therapeutics has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its research and development capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing treatment options for complex health challenges.
Olema Oncology
Post in 2023
Olema Oncology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. The company specializes in the discovery and commercialization of targeted treatments aimed at improving outcomes for women with cancer. Olema utilizes its extensive knowledge of endocrine-driven cancers and the molecular mechanisms of the ER to create drug candidates that are designed to outperform existing therapies. Currently, the company's product pipeline includes OP-1250 and OP-3136, both of which have completed discovery and preclinical studies. Olema's mission is to transform the standard of care for both pre- and post-menopausal women by providing more effective and convenient treatment options.
Quanta Therapeutics
Series D in 2023
Quanta Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies targeting driver oncogenes, specifically RAS-driven cancers. The company employs advanced optical technology to discover small molecules that can modulate the conformation of RAS proteins. This allosteric modulation aims to restore conformational control of active RAS signaling at the cell membrane, thereby inhibiting a wide range of cancers associated with RAS mutations. By addressing the challenges of previously untreatable cancers, Quanta Therapeutics is committed to advancing new treatment options for patients and enhancing the understanding of RAS biology in cancer therapy.
Unicycive Therapeutics
Post in 2023
Unicycive Therapeutics provides development programs that focus on treating kidney diseases with significant unmet medical needs. It aims to open the way for a broad range of disease-modifying therapies by modifying the intracellular and extracellular concentrations of these various electrolytes and ions in Chronic Kidney Disease and Gitelman’s Syndrome and by addressing the underlying mitochondrial pathology and inflammation associated with Acute Kidney Disease. Unicycive Therapeutics was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Los Altos, California.
Nimbus Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2022
Nimbus Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative medicines for serious diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune-inflammatory conditions. The company utilizes advanced computational technologies to create selective and potent small-molecule therapeutics. Among its notable projects is the Nimbus Apollo program, which features the lead candidate NDI-010976, an allosteric inhibitor targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC). This compound is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has potential applications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other diseases. NDI-010976 received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016, highlighting its significance in the clinical development pipeline. Nimbus Therapeutics has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its research and development capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing treatment options for complex health challenges.
Dren Bio
Series B in 2022
Dren Bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in protein engineering technologies designed to target and deplete pathogenic cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents. With a focus on hematologic neoplasms, solid cancers, autoimmune disorders, and diseases related to protein aggregation, the company aims to provide innovative solutions for healthcare professionals in their efforts to combat various serious diseases. Operating under a holding company model, Dren Bio develops multiple projects as standalone assets, seeking to create value through its diverse portfolio of biotechnology initiatives.
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics
Post in 2022
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company crating novel therapies, and unlocking the potential of Sonelokimab, the novel investigational Nanobody® for the treatment of inflammation, to revolutionize outcomes for patients.
Ventus Therapeutics
Series C in 2022
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule medicines aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer by targeting the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into the mechanisms and molecular structures involved in immune responses. This platform integrates proprietary protein engineering capabilities with advanced rational and structure-based drug design tools, allowing for precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus is actively building a pipeline of drug programs that address critical targets within this system, particularly proteins involved in inflammasome and nucleic acid-sensing signaling pathways, thereby enabling the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related conditions.
Septerna
Series A in 2022
Septerna is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and advancing novel small-molecule medicines that target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The company aims to improve patient outcomes by integrating innovative drug discovery technologies with GPCR drug targets. Utilizing its Native Complex platform, Septerna facilitates industrial-scale drug discovery through advanced screening technologies and structure-based drug design. This approach enables medical researchers to efficiently identify treatments for a variety of diseases.
Quanta Therapeutics
Series C in 2021
Quanta Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies targeting driver oncogenes, specifically RAS-driven cancers. The company employs advanced optical technology to discover small molecules that can modulate the conformation of RAS proteins. This allosteric modulation aims to restore conformational control of active RAS signaling at the cell membrane, thereby inhibiting a wide range of cancers associated with RAS mutations. By addressing the challenges of previously untreatable cancers, Quanta Therapeutics is committed to advancing new treatment options for patients and enhancing the understanding of RAS biology in cancer therapy.
Exo Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Exo Therapeutics, Inc. is a drug discovery and development company focused on addressing intractable pharmaceutical targets. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary ExoSight platform to develop a pipeline of drug candidates. These candidates are designed to bind to exosites and unique binding pockets, allowing for the reprogramming of enzyme activity to achieve targeted therapeutic effects. This innovative approach aims to provide robust treatments in areas such as oncology and inflammation, while also minimizing potential side effects for patients. By employing a precise and selective methodology, Exo Therapeutics is positioned to unlock new therapeutic possibilities for a variety of diseases.
Aadi Bioscience
Private Equity Round in 2021
Aadi Bioscience, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Pacific Palisades, California, focused on developing precision therapies for genetically-defined cancers. The company specializes in mTOR inhibitors, particularly ABI-009, aimed at treating patients with alterations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, where existing mTOR inhibitors have limitations in pharmacology, drug delivery, or safety. Aadi's primary focus is on providing transformational therapies for patients with ultra-rare cancers, such as perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa). Since its founding in 2011, Aadi Bioscience has aimed to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and related therapeutic areas.
Nimbus Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2021
Nimbus Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative medicines for serious diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune-inflammatory conditions. The company utilizes advanced computational technologies to create selective and potent small-molecule therapeutics. Among its notable projects is the Nimbus Apollo program, which features the lead candidate NDI-010976, an allosteric inhibitor targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC). This compound is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has potential applications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other diseases. NDI-010976 received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016, highlighting its significance in the clinical development pipeline. Nimbus Therapeutics has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its research and development capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing treatment options for complex health challenges.
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics
Series A in 2021
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company crating novel therapies, and unlocking the potential of Sonelokimab, the novel investigational Nanobody® for the treatment of inflammation, to revolutionize outcomes for patients.
Ventus Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule medicines aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer by targeting the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into the mechanisms and molecular structures involved in immune responses. This platform integrates proprietary protein engineering capabilities with advanced rational and structure-based drug design tools, allowing for precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus is actively building a pipeline of drug programs that address critical targets within this system, particularly proteins involved in inflammasome and nucleic acid-sensing signaling pathways, thereby enabling the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related conditions.
Viracta Therapeutics
Post in 2021
Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage drug development company based in Cardiff, California, focused on precision oncology for virus-associated malignancies. The company specializes in a viral activation therapy platform aimed at treating cancers linked to the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and other virus-associated diseases. Its lead investigational drug, nanatinostat, is being evaluated in combination with the antiviral valganciclovir in Phase 2 clinical trials for EBV-positive lymphoma, including conditions such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder and plasmablastic lymphoma. Viracta is also exploring the application of this therapeutic approach in treating other EBV-related malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric carcinoma. Founded in 2007 and previously known as HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals, Viracta Therapeutics continues to advance its mission to develop innovative treatments for serious viral-associated cancers.
Shoreline Biosciences
Venture Round in 2021
Shoreline Biosciences is a biomedical company intended to establish immunotherapies for seriously ill patients. Its proprietary cell therapy technology platform is based on deep expertise in iPSC differentiation methods and genetic programming of the IL-15/CISH pathway for enhanced metabolic fitness and persistence of the engineered NK Cells to improve anti-cancer activity. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in La Jolla, CA, USA.
Aileron Therapeutics
Post in 2021
Aileron Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Watertown, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of a novel class of therapeutics known as Stapled Peptides. These peptides are designed to modulate intracellular protein-protein interactions, which are essential for various cellular functions. The company's lead product candidate, ALRN-6924, is a chemoprotective agent aimed at treating advanced solid tumors, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome. Currently, ALRN-6924 is undergoing several clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy and safety in these conditions. Additionally, Aileron is developing other product candidates, such as LTI-03 and LTI-01, focused on fibrosis indications, while also advancing next-generation therapies that reactivate wild type p53. The company has established collaborations for clinical trials with prominent institutions, enhancing its research capabilities and potential impact in oncology.
Ikena Oncology
Series B in 2021
Ikena Oncology is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer treatment. The company specializes in biomarker-driven and precision therapies that target specific mechanisms involved in cancer growth, spread, and resistance. Its product pipeline includes several candidates such as IK-007, an EP4 receptor antagonist; IK-175, an AHR antagonist; and IK-930, an oral small-molecule inhibitor of the TEAD transcription factor in the Hippo signaling pathway. Additionally, Ikena is exploring a kynurenine-degrading enzyme with IK-412 and other discovery-stage programs targeting various oncogenic pathways. Established in 2016, Ikena Oncology aims to address unmet medical needs through a combination of chemistry, translational science, and patient-centered drug development.
Gritstone bio
Post in 2020
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surfaces of infected cells. This approach leverages the immune system's ability to recognize abnormal cell targets, which is crucial for both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Gritstone bio is building a robust pipeline of immunotherapy product candidates, including GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL, designed to address various solid tumors. Through these developments, Gritstone bio aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer treatment and enhance patient outcomes.
Aro Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2020
Aro Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, focused on developing a novel protein drug platform known as Centyrins. Established in 2017, the company aims to enhance treatment options for oncology and immunology by creating small, non-antibody protein scaffolds. These Centyrins can be engineered as multi-specific therapeutics, enabling innovative mechanisms of action. They are designed to improve efficacy and safety profiles for patients suffering from cancer and other serious diseases, while also facilitating the targeted delivery of complex drug payloads, including nucleic acids. Aro Biotherapeutics is committed to advancing its wholly-owned pipeline of Centyrins, contributing to the field of genetic medicines.
Dren Bio
Series A in 2020
Dren Bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in protein engineering technologies designed to target and deplete pathogenic cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents. With a focus on hematologic neoplasms, solid cancers, autoimmune disorders, and diseases related to protein aggregation, the company aims to provide innovative solutions for healthcare professionals in their efforts to combat various serious diseases. Operating under a holding company model, Dren Bio develops multiple projects as standalone assets, seeking to create value through its diverse portfolio of biotechnology initiatives.
Nimbus Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2020
Nimbus Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative medicines for serious diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and immune-inflammatory conditions. The company utilizes advanced computational technologies to create selective and potent small-molecule therapeutics. Among its notable projects is the Nimbus Apollo program, which features the lead candidate NDI-010976, an allosteric inhibitor targeting Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC). This compound is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has potential applications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other diseases. NDI-010976 received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016, highlighting its significance in the clinical development pipeline. Nimbus Therapeutics has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its research and development capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing treatment options for complex health challenges.
Rezolute
Post in 2020
Rezolute, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for rare and metabolic diseases in the United States. The company's lead product candidate, RZ358, is a human monoclonal antibody currently undergoing Phase 2b clinical trials for the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism, a rare pediatric genetic disorder. Additionally, Rezolute is advancing RZ402, a small molecule plasma kallikrein inhibitor in preclinical development aimed at treating diabetic macular edema. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California. Rezolute utilizes proprietary formulation and manufacturing capabilities to create innovative therapies that have the potential to enhance existing treatment standards.
Olema Oncology
Series B in 2020
Olema Oncology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. The company specializes in the discovery and commercialization of targeted treatments aimed at improving outcomes for women with cancer. Olema utilizes its extensive knowledge of endocrine-driven cancers and the molecular mechanisms of the ER to create drug candidates that are designed to outperform existing therapies. Currently, the company's product pipeline includes OP-1250 and OP-3136, both of which have completed discovery and preclinical studies. Olema's mission is to transform the standard of care for both pre- and post-menopausal women by providing more effective and convenient treatment options.
Cogent Biosciences
Post in 2020
Cogent Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases, utilizing proprietary T-cell engineering technology alongside tumor-targeting antibodies to harness the body’s immune system in the fight against cancer. The company designs targeted treatments aimed at addressing the underlying causes of diseases, thereby improving patient outcomes. One of its key programs, CGT9486, is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor that specifically targets the KIT D816V mutation and other mutations in KIT exon 17. This mutation is predominantly linked to Systemic Mastocytosis, a severe condition resulting from the uncontrolled growth of mast cells, and is also associated with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Cogent Biosciences is advancing its lead program, which is expected to enter Phase I clinical trials to evaluate safety and efficacy.
ALX Oncology
Series C in 2020
ALX Oncology is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company based in Burlingame, California, established in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative therapies for cancer, particularly through its lead product candidate, ALX148, which targets the CD47 protein. This therapeutic aims to enhance the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells, which often use CD47 as a mechanism to evade immune response. ALX148 is being investigated for its potential in treating various hematologic malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia, as well as solid tumors such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and HER2-positive gastric cancer. The company’s research is rooted in advanced protein engineering, with a focus on creating next-generation therapies that minimize the hematologic toxicities associated with traditional CD47 blocking strategies.
Inventiva Pharma
Post in 2020
Inventiva Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in France, dedicated to developing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs, particularly in fibrosis, lysosomal storage disorders, and oncology. The company specializes in drugs that target nuclear receptors, transcription factors, and epigenetic modulation. Its primary product candidate, lanifibranor, is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition currently lacking approved therapies. Inventiva has established a robust pipeline supported by a proprietary discovery engine, a dedicated research and development facility, and a skilled team with extensive experience in drug development. In addition to advancing lanifibranor, the company is also working on several earlier-stage programs aimed at addressing various medical conditions. All operations are conducted in France.
Infinity Pharmaceuticals
Post in 2020
Infinity Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for various cancers. The company's lead candidate, eganelisib, is an oral immuno-oncology therapy that aims to reprogram macrophages to counteract immune suppression in cancer. Infinity is conducting multiple clinical trials to evaluate eganelisib in combination with established therapies, including global studies such as MARIO-275, which tests eganelisib alongside Opdivo® in patients with urothelial cancer, and MARIO-3, which explores combinations with Tecentriq® and Abraxane® in triple-negative breast cancer as well as with Tecentriq and Avastin® in renal cell carcinoma. Additionally, Infinity is collaborating with Arcus Biosciences to test a novel regimen that combines eganelisib with etrumadenant and Doxil® for advanced triple-negative breast cancer patients. The company's research also encompasses treatments for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, reflecting its commitment to addressing various oncological challenges.
Repare Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
Repare Therapeutics Inc. is a precision oncology company based in Montréal, Canada, specializing in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics through a synthetic lethality approach. Utilizing its proprietary SNIPRx platform, which combines genome-wide and CRISPR-enabled technology, the company systematically identifies targeted cancer therapies addressing genomic instability, particularly in DNA damage repair. Its lead candidate, RP-3500, is an oral small molecule inhibitor designed to treat solid tumors with specific DNA damage repair-related genomic alterations. Additionally, Repare is advancing a CCNE1-SL inhibitor program targeting tumors with CCNE1 amplification, along with a Polymerase Theta program focused on BRCA mutations and related genomic alterations. Founded in 2016, the company aims to improve cancer treatment by leveraging innovative drug discovery methods and addressing the unique vulnerabilities of tumor cells.
Akero Therapeutics
Series B in 2018
Akero Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing treatments for serious metabolic diseases, particularly nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Founded in 2017 and formerly known as Pippin Pharmaceuticals, the company is dedicated to addressing the significant unmet medical needs associated with NASH, a condition characterized by liver inflammation and damage, which can lead to severe complications such as fibrosis and liver failure. Akero's lead product candidate, AKR-001, is a long-acting Fc fusion modified FGF21 protein designed to restore metabolic balance by targeting both liver and adipose tissues, thereby reducing liver fat and suppressing inflammation and fibrosis. This innovative approach builds upon two decades of research into FGF21 biology, positioning Akero as a frontrunner in the quest for effective NASH therapies.
4D Molecular Therapeutics
Series B in 2018
4D Molecular Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company based in Emeryville, California, that specializes in developing innovative gene therapy products to address unmet medical needs. The company utilizes targeted and evolved adeno-associated virus vectors to create a diverse portfolio of product candidates focused on ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Among its key projects are 4D-125, currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa; 4D-110, in a Phase I clinical trial for choroideremia; and 4D-310, also in a Phase I/II trial for Fabry disease. Additionally, 4D Molecular Therapeutics is advancing investigational new drug candidates such as 4D-150 for wet age-related macular degeneration and 4D-710 for cystic fibrosis lung disease. Founded in 2013, the company is dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape in these therapeutic areas.
Olema Oncology
Series A in 2018
Olema Oncology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. The company specializes in the discovery and commercialization of targeted treatments aimed at improving outcomes for women with cancer. Olema utilizes its extensive knowledge of endocrine-driven cancers and the molecular mechanisms of the ER to create drug candidates that are designed to outperform existing therapies. Currently, the company's product pipeline includes OP-1250 and OP-3136, both of which have completed discovery and preclinical studies. Olema's mission is to transform the standard of care for both pre- and post-menopausal women by providing more effective and convenient treatment options.
Inventiva Pharma
Post in 2018
Inventiva Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in France, dedicated to developing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs, particularly in fibrosis, lysosomal storage disorders, and oncology. The company specializes in drugs that target nuclear receptors, transcription factors, and epigenetic modulation. Its primary product candidate, lanifibranor, is being developed for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition currently lacking approved therapies. Inventiva has established a robust pipeline supported by a proprietary discovery engine, a dedicated research and development facility, and a skilled team with extensive experience in drug development. In addition to advancing lanifibranor, the company is also working on several earlier-stage programs aimed at addressing various medical conditions. All operations are conducted in France.
Rezolute
Convertible Note in 2018
Rezolute, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for rare and metabolic diseases in the United States. The company's lead product candidate, RZ358, is a human monoclonal antibody currently undergoing Phase 2b clinical trials for the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism, a rare pediatric genetic disorder. Additionally, Rezolute is advancing RZ402, a small molecule plasma kallikrein inhibitor in preclinical development aimed at treating diabetic macular edema. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California. Rezolute utilizes proprietary formulation and manufacturing capabilities to create innovative therapies that have the potential to enhance existing treatment standards.
ViewPoint Therapeutics
Series B in 2018
ViewPoint Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to the development of treatments for diseases of protein misfolding, including cataracts. The company's crystallin stabilizers include a small molecule that is active in preclinical models of age-related cataracts via a target-based screening and optimization effort, providing physicians with drugs to prevent or reverse protein misfolding, which is implicated in numerous common disorders of aging including cataracts, presbyopia, and neurodegenerative diseases.
AnaptysBio
Series D in 2015
AnaptysBio is a privately-held therapeutic antibody product company that uses of somatic hypermutation, or SHM, for antibody discovery and optimization. SHM is the body's natural process for generating potent antibodies to fight disease. The Company's SHM-Platform utilizes the key components of SHM and other techniques to generate antibodies for therapeutic applications through an iterative process of natural evolution and high-throughput selection a process that has been referred to as naturalizing antibodies. This versatile platform can be used both to discover and optimize antibodies directed at specific disease targets and also affinity mature existing antibodies to improve their binding properties. In addition to providing a more powerful approach to antibody discovery and protein optimization, it addresses a growing void in the therapeutic antibody field due to a string of acquisitions and licensing deals that have reduced the availability of many technologies.
Blueprint Medicines
Series B in 2014
Blueprint Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing targeted therapies for cancers and rare diseases driven by abnormal kinase activation. Founded in 2008 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary Insights-to-Validation Platform and chemical library to create small molecule kinase inhibitors that address specific genomic drivers. Key drug candidates include avapritinib for systemic mastocytosis and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, BLU-263 for indolent systemic mastocytosis, and pralsetinib for RET-altered cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer and medullary thyroid carcinoma. Additionally, fisogatinib is under investigation for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, while BLU-782 targets fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Blueprint Medicines collaborates with several pharmaceutical companies to enhance its research and development efforts.
Cascadian Therapeutics
Post in 2013
Cascadian Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in developing therapeutic products for cancer treatment. The company's lead product candidate, tucatinib, is an orally active, HER2-selective small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor currently undergoing two Phase Ib clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer, one in combination with T-DM1 and the other with capecitabine and/or trastuzumab. In addition to tucatinib, Cascadian is advancing two preclinical candidates: CASC-578, a Chk1 cell cycle inhibitor, and CASC-674, an antibody targeting immuno-oncology. The company has established collaborations for research and development, including a licensing agreement with Array BioPharma for tucatinib, a research partnership with Sentinel Oncology to discover novel Chk1 inhibitors, and a collaboration with Adimab for novel antibody development. Formerly known as Oncothyreon Inc., Cascadian Therapeutics was founded in 1985 and has undergone significant evolution in its focus and offerings.
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